U.S. patent application number 12/753322 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for pressure regulator for watering system.
Invention is credited to Christopher Richard Roes.
Application Number | 20100252126 12/753322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42825187 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100252126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roes; Christopher Richard |
October 7, 2010 |
PRESSURE REGULATOR FOR WATERING SYSTEM
Abstract
A water pressure regulator includes a sealing member and a body
having a diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm assembly is positioned
and secured within the body to define first and second chambers.
The diaphragm assembly has a force acting thereon from within the
second chamber. The first chamber defines first and second zones
and a passageway therebetween. An inlet of the body is configured
to provide water to the first zone and an outlet of the body is
configured to deliver water out of the second zone. The sealing
member is positioned within the first zone. The sealing member
seals the passageway by a force of the water in the first zone
acting upon the sealing member and by a gravitational force acting
upon the sealing member. The sealing member is formed in the shape
of a spherical ball. The water pressure regulator may be used in a
watering system.
Inventors: |
Roes; Christopher Richard;
(Cromwell, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLARK HILL PLC
150 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 2700
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
42825187 |
Appl. No.: |
12/753322 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61166532 |
Apr 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/505 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/7793 20150401;
F16K 31/365 20130101; Y10T 137/7825 20150401; A01K 39/0213
20130101; G05D 16/0655 20130101; F16K 17/085 20130101; F16K 17/02
20130101; F16K 31/385 20130101; Y10T 137/7797 20150401; F16K
27/0236 20130101; Y10T 137/7826 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/505 |
International
Class: |
F16K 31/36 20060101
F16K031/36; F16K 21/00 20060101 F16K021/00 |
Claims
1. A water pressure regulator comprising: a body having an inlet,
an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured
within said body in order to define first and second chambers, said
diaphragm assembly having a force acting thereon from within said
second chamber, said first chamber further defining first and
second zones and a passageway therebetween, said inlet configured
to provide water to said first zone, said outlet configured to
deliver water out of said second zone; and a sealing member
positioned within said first zone, wherein said sealing member
seals said passageway between said first zone and said second zone
when the force acting on said diaphragm assembly from within said
second chamber is less than or equal to forces in said first
chamber that collectively prevent said diaphragm assembly from
unsealing said passageway, and wherein said diaphragm assembly is
configured to move said sealing member to unseal said passageway,
such that the water in said first zone is allowed to move into said
second zone through said passageway, when the force acting on said
diaphragm assembly from within said second chamber is greater than
the forces in said first chamber.
2. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein the
forces in said first chamber include a force of the water in said
second zone acting upon said diaphragm assembly, said sealing
member being configured to not rely on said force of the water in
said second zone in order for said sealing member to seal said
passageway.
3. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein the
forces in said first chamber include a gravitational force acting
upon said diaphragm assembly due to a weight of the water in said
second zone, said sealing member being configured to not rely on
said gravitational force in order for said sealing member to seal
said passageway.
4. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein said
sealing member does not rely on the force acting upon said
diaphragm assembly from said second chamber in order for said
sealing member to seal said passageway.
5. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein said
sealing member has a force acting thereon for scaling said
passageway, the force being at least one of a force of the water in
said first zone acting against said sealing member, and a
gravitational force acting upon said sealing member due to a weight
of said sealing member.
6. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 5, further
comprising a seat secured within said passageway, said sealing
member configured to be seated against said seat in order to seal
said passageway.
7. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 6, wherein said
sealing member is formed of a deformable material whereby said
scaling material is configured to slightly deform against said seat
under the force of the water in said first zone acting against said
sealing member, thereby further enhancing the seal of said
passageway.
8. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 7, wherein said
sealing member is formed of an elastic material whereby said
sealing member can at least substantially return to its original
shape after it has been slightly deformed against said seat.
9. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 6, wherein at
least one of said sealing member and said scat are formed of a
deformable and elastic material.
10. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 9, wherein
said deformable and elastic material is a synthetic rubber.
11. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 9, wherein
said sealing member is formed of said deformable and elastic
material and said seat is formed of stainless steel.
12. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 6, wherein
said sealing member is in the shape of a spherical ball.
13. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said sealing member is formed of a deformable and elastic
material.
14. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said sealing member is formed in the shape of a spherical ball.
15. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said sealing member is not connected to said diaphragm
assembly.
16. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said diaphragm assembly comprises a diaphragm and a trigger pin,
said diaphragm being secured and positioned within said body to
separate said first chamber from said second chamber, said trigger
pin having a leg member extending outwardly from a first surface of
said diaphragm and being positioned within said second zone, said
leg member configured to move said sealing member to unseal said
passageway when the force acting on said diaphragm assembly from
within said second chamber is greater than the forces in said first
chamber that collectively prevent said diaphragm assembly from
unsealing said passageway.
17. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 16, wherein
said diaphragm assembly further comprises a diaphragm support plate
which is positioned in the second chamber and which is configured
to support a second surface of said diaphragm.
18. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 17, wherein
said trigger pin further comprises a base portion and a second leg
member, said base portion being positioned in said second zone and
being configured to rest on said first surface of said diaphragm,
said outwardly extending leg member extending from said base
portion and being substantially positioned in said second zone,
said second leg member extending outwardly from said base portion
through an aperture in said diaphragm and being secured to said
diaphragm support plate.
19. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a first plugging member which is movable between a first
locked position and a second locked position, wherein said first
chamber further defines a second, separate passageway provided
between said first zone and said second zone, wherein when said
first plugging member is in said first locked position, said first
plugging member plugs said second passageway, thereby preventing
the water in said first zone from moving through said second
passageway and into said second zone, and wherein when said first
plugging member is in said second locked position, said first
plugging member is unplugged from said second passageway, thereby
allowing the water in said first zone to move through said second
passageway and into said second zone.
20. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 19, wherein
said body defines an extension having an aperture provided
therethrough which is in communication with said first zone, said
aperture of said extension being positioned in line with said
second passageway, said first plugging member being movable within
said aperture of said extension between said first locked position
and said second locked position.
21. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 20, wherein
said extension has an L-shaped slot formed therein and a free edge
with a groove, and wherein said first plugging member has a
projection extending outwardly therefrom, wherein when said first
plugging member is in said first locked position, said projection
of said first plugging member is positioned within said L-shaped
slot, and wherein when said first plugging member is in said second
locked position, said projection of said first plugging member is
positioned within said groove.
22. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 19, further
comprising a second plugging member which is movable between a
first locked position and a second locked position, wherein when
said second plugging member is in said first locked position, said
second plugging member plugs said first passageway, thereby
preventing the water in said first zone from moving through said
first passageway and into said second zone, and wherein when said
second plugging member is in said second locked position, said
second plugging member is unplugged from said first passageway,
thereby allowing the water in said first zone to move through said
first passageway and into said second zone.
23. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 22, wherein
said body defines an extension having an aperture provided
therethrough which is in communication with said first zone, said
aperture of said extension being positioned in line with said first
passageway, said second plugging member being movable within said
aperture of said extension between said first locked position and
said second locked position.
24. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 23, wherein
said extension has an L-shaped slot formed therein and a free edge
with a groove, and wherein said second plugging member has a
projection extending outwardly therefrom, wherein when said second
plugging member is in said first locked position, said projection
of said second plugging member is positioned within said L-shaped
slot, and wherein when said second plugging member is in said
second locked position, said projection of said second plugging
member is positioned within said groove.
25. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said first chamber further defines a second, separate passageway
provided between said first zone and said second zone, and further
comprising first and second plugging members which are each movable
between first locked positions and second locked positions, wherein
when said first and second plugging members are in said first
locked positions, said first and second plugging members plug said
first and second passageways, respectively, thereby preventing the
water in said first zone from moving through said first and second
passageways, respectively, and into said second zone, and wherein
when said first and second plugging members are in said second
locked positions, said first and second plugging members do not
plug said first and second passageways, respectively, thereby
allowing the water in said first zone to move through said first
and second passageways, respectively, and into said second
zone.
26. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 25, wherein
when said first plugging member is in said second locked position
and said second plugging member is in said first locked position,
said water pressure regulator is configured to be in an "on" or
"regulate" mode, whereby the water in said first zone is only
allowed to move into said second zone through said first
passageway.
27. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 25, wherein
when said first plugging member is in said first locked position
and said second plugging member is in said first locked position,
said water pressure regulator is configured to be in a "flush"
mode, whereby the water in said first zone is only allowed to move
into said second zone through said second passageway.
28. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 25, wherein
when said first plugging member is in said second locked position
and said second plugging member is in said second locked position,
said water pressure regulator is configured to be in an "off" mode,
whereby the water in said first zone is prevented from moving into
said second zone through either said first passageway or said
second passageway.
29. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 25, wherein
each of said first and second plugging members are configured to at
least partially extend outside of said body such that each of said
first and second plugging members can be manipulated by a user
between said first and second locked positions.
30. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein
said body further defines sight tube passageway which is in fluid
communication with said second zone such that a sight tube operably
associated with said sight tube passageway will allow for a
pressure of the water within said second zone to be readily
determined by visual inspection of the sight tube.
31. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein the
force acting on said diaphragm assembly from within said second
chamber is applied by a spring assembly that is generally housed
within said second chamber.
32. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 31, wherein
the body further includes an opening, a wall and a ledge provided
between said wall and said opening, wherein an area provided
between said wall, said ledge and said opening defines a spring
chamber within said lower chamber of said body, said spring
assembly being generally housed within said spring chamber.
33. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 32, wherein
said spring assembly comprises a spring adjustment mechanism having
a base, a handle and a threaded shaft, said base being positioned
within said spring chamber and configured to rest on said ledge,
said handle configured to extend outwardly from said base and
through said opening in said body such that said handle can be
manipulated exterior to said body, said threaded shaft configured
to extend outwardly from said base within said spring chamber, a
spring support plate having an aperture therethrough defining a
threaded aperture wall, said spring support plate being positioned
within said spring chamber, said threaded shaft of said spring
adjustment mechanism being threadedly engaged within said threaded
aperture wall of said spring support plate such that said spring
support plate can move along said threaded shaft of said spring
adjustment mechanism within said spring chamber upon rotation of
said spring adjustment mechanism by said handle, and a spring
having first and second ends which are positioned in said spring
chamber, said first end of said spring being positioned against
said spring support plate and said second end of said spring being
positioned against said diaphragm assembly such that said spring is
held in compression therebetween.
34. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 33, wherein
said spring is a helical spring which winds around said threaded
shall of said spring adjustment mechanism.
35. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 33, wherein
said wall has at least one slot provided therein which generally
extends from a first end thereof proximate to said base of said
spring adjustment mechanism to a second end thereof proximate to
said diaphragm assembly, and wherein said spring support plate has
at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom which is
configured to be positioned within said at least one slot of said
wall in order to prevent rotation of said spring support plate
relative to said wall.
36. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 33, wherein
the more said spring is compressed within said spring chamber, the
higher the force acting on said diaphragm assembly from said second
chamber, and wherein the less said spring is compressed within said
spring chamber, the lower the force acting on said diaphragm
assembly from said second chamber.
37. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 1, wherein a
pressure of the water provided to said first zone is relatively
high, and wherein a pressure of the water delivered out of said
second zone is relatively low.
38. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 37, wherein
the pressure of the water provided to said first zone is
approximately between 15 and 35 psi, and wherein the pressure of
the water delivered out of said second zone is approximately 1 psi
or less.
39. A water pressure regulator comprising: a body having an inlet,
an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured
within said body in order to define first and second chambers, said
first chamber further defining first and second zones and a
passageway therebetween, said inlet configured to provide water to
said first zone, said outlet configured to deliver water out of
said second zone; and a sealing member having a force acting
thereon for sealing said passageway, the force being at least one
of a force of the water in said first zone acting upon said sealing
member, and a gravitational force acting upon said sealing member
due to a weight of said sealing member.
40. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 39, wherein
said sealing member is positioned within said first zone.
41. A water pressure regulator comprising: a body having an inlet,
an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured
within said body in order to define first and second chambers, said
first chamber further defining first and second zones and a
passageway therebetween, said inlet configured to provide water to
said first zone at a relatively high pressure, said outlet
configured to deliver water out of said second zone at a relatively
low pressure; and a sealing member configured to seal said
passageway, said sealing member being formed in the shape of a
spherical ball.
42. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 41, wherein
said sealing member is positioned within said first zone.
43. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 41, wherein
said sealing member is formed of a deformable and elastic
material.
44. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 43, wherein
said deformable and elastic material is a synthetic rubber.
45. The water pressure regulator as defined in claim 41, wherein
the pressure of the water provided to said first zone is
approximately between 15 and 35 psi, and wherein the pressure of
the water delivered out of said second zone is approximately 1 psi
or less.
46. A water pressure regulator comprising: a body having an inlet,
an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured
within said body in order to define first and second chambers, said
first chamber further defining first and second zones and a
passageway therebetween, said inlet configured to provide water to
said first zone, said outlet configured to deliver water out of
said second zone; and a sealing member configured to seal said
passageway without relying on any of a force of the water in said
second zone acting upon said diaphragm assembly, a gravitational
force acting upon said diaphragm assembly due to a weight of the
water in said second zone, and a force acting upon said diaphragm
assembly from said second chamber.
47. A watering system comprising: a water source; a pressure
regulator comprising a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a
diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured within said body
in order to define first and second chambers, said diaphragm
assembly having a force acting thereon from within said second
chamber, said first chamber further defining first and second zones
and a passageway therebetween, said inlet configured to provide
water to said first zone, said outlet configured to deliver water
out of said second zone, and a sealing member positioned within
said first zone; a first water delivery system which is connected
at a first end thereof to said water source and at a second end
thereof to said inlet in order to supply water to said first zone;
and a second water delivery system which is connected at a first
end thereof to said outlet of said pressure regulator in order to
delivery water from said second zone, wherein said sealing member
seals said passageway between said first zone and said second zone
when the force acting on said diaphragm assembly from within said
second chamber is less than or equal to forces in said first
chamber that collectively prevent said diaphragm assembly from
unsealing said passageway, and wherein said diaphragm assembly is
configured to move said sealing member to unseal said passageway,
such that the water in said first zone is allowed to move into said
second zone through said passageway, when the force acting on said
diaphragm assembly from within said second chamber is greater than
the threes in said first chamber.
48. A watering system comprising: a water source for delivering
high pressurized water; a pressure regulator comprising a body
having an inlet, an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is
positioned and secured within said body in order to define first
and second chambers, said first chamber further defining first and
second zones and a passageway therebetween, said inlet configured
to provide water to said first zone, said outlet configured to
deliver water out of said second zone, and a sealing member having
a force acting thereon for sealing said passageway, the force being
at least one of a force of the water in said first zone acting upon
said sealing member, and a gravitational force acting upon said
sealing member due to a weight of said sealing member; a first
water delivery system which is connected at a first end thereof to
said water source and at a second end thereof to said inlet in
order to supply water to said first zone; and a second water
delivery system which is connected at a first end thereof to said
outlet in order to deliver water from said second zone.
49. A watering system comprising: a water source; a pressure
regulator comprising a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a
diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured within said body
in order to define first and second chambers, said first chamber
further defining first and second zones and a passageway
therebetween, said inlet configured to provide water to said first
zone at a relatively high pressure, said outlet configured to
deliver water out of said second zone at a relatively low pressure,
and a sealing member configured to seal said passageway, said
sealing member being formed in the shape of a spherical ball; a
first water delivery system which is connected at a first end
thereof to said water source and at a second end thereof to said
inlet in order to provide water to said first zone at a relatively
high pressure; and a second water delivery system which is
connected at a first end thereof to said outlet pressure chamber in
order to deliver water from said second zone at a relatively low
pressure.
50. A watering system comprising: a water source; a pressure
regulator comprising a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a
diaphragm assembly which is positioned and secured within said body
in order to define first and second chambers, said first chamber
further defining first and second zones and a passageway
therebetween, said inlet configured to provide water to said first
zone, said outlet configured to deliver water out of said second
zone, and a sealing member configured to seal said passageway
without relying on any of a force of the water in said second zone
acting upon said diaphragm assembly, a gravitational force acting
upon said diaphragm assembly due to a weight of the water in said
second zone, and a three acting upon said diaphragm assembly from
said second chamber; a first water delivery system which is
connected at a first end thereof to said water source and at a
second end thereof to said inlet in order to provide water to said
first zone; and a second water delivery system which is connected
at a first end thereof to said outlet pressure chamber in order to
deliver water from said second zone.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the domestic priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/166,532, filed on Apr. 3, 2009,
and entitled "Pressure Regulator For Watering System". U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/166,532 is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to a water pressure regulator and a
watering system having one or more water pressure regulators.
[0003] Prior art water pressure regulators, such as the ones
described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,167 and
6,202,682, have a regulating valve, positioned in an outlet or
reduced pressure chamber, connected to a flexible diaphragm.
Increased water pressure in the outlet pressure chamber causes the
flexible diaphragm to move, and thus the regulating valve to move,
such that the regulating valve prevents pressurized water from a
supply source from entering the outlet pressure chamber.
Conversely, decreased water pressure in the outlet pressure chamber
causes the flexible diaphragm to move, and thus the regulating
valve to move, such that the regulating valve allows pressurized
water from the supply source to enter the outlet pressure
chamber.
[0004] Such water pressure regulators have a number of
disadvantages/drawbacks. For instance, these water pressure
regulators rely on the force of the water in the outlet pressure
chamber to push down on a diaphragm in order to prevent pressurized
water from the supply source from entering the outlet pressure
chamber. However, when the regulating valve closes off the flow of
pressurized water from the supply source to the outlet pressure
chamber, the water flowing from the supply source continues to flow
toward the outlet pressure chamber and the force thereof can cause
the regulating valve to undesirably and repeatedly open and close
(i.e., water hammer), because it is located within the outlet
pressure chamber. Water hammer can result in wear and tear on the
regulating valve and the diaphragm and, further can result in
possible leakage in the downstream watering lines, i.e., at the
individual watering valves (nipples). Further, the design of prior
art regulating valves can cause them to begin to lose their
effective seals over time due to build-up of foreign material on
the regulating valve; this can also decrease the life of the
sealing mechanism due to wear.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] A water pressure regulator is provided that has a body and a
sealing member. The water pressure regulator may be provided in a
watering system that also has a water source and first and second
water delivery assemblies. The first water delivery assembly
connects the water source to an inlet of the water pressure
regulator, thereby providing water to the water pressure regulator
at a relatively high pressure, generally approximately between 15
and 35 psi, and the second water delivery assembly connects to an
outlet of the water pressure regulator, thereby delivering water
from the water pressure regulator at a relatively low pressure,
generally approximately 1 psi or less.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the water pressure regulator,
the body has an inlet, an outlet, and a diaphragm assembly which is
positioned and secured within the body in order to define first and
second chambers. The diaphragm assembly has a force acting thereon
from within the second chamber. The first chamber further defines
first and second zones and a passageway therebetween. The inlet is
configured to provide water to the first zone and the outlet is
configured to deliver water out of the second zone. The sealing
member is positioned within the first zone. The sealing member
seals the passageway between the first zone and the second zone
when the force acting on the diaphragm assembly from within the
second chamber is less than or equal to forces in the first chamber
that collectively prevent the diaphragm assembly from unsealing the
passageway. The diaphragm assembly is configured to move the
sealing member to unseal the passageway, such that the water in the
first zone is allowed to move into the second zone through the
passageway, when the force acting on the diaphragm assembly from
within the second chamber is greater than the forces in the first
chamber.
[0007] In another preferred embodiment of the water pressure
regulator, the body has an inlet, an outlet, and a diaphragm
assembly which is positioned and secured within the body in order
to define first and second chambers. The first chamber further
defines first and second zones and a passageway therebetween. The
inlet is configured to provide water to the first zone and the
outlet is configured to deliver water out of the second zone. The
sealing member has a force acting thereon for sealing the
passageway, with the force being at least one of a force of the
water in the first zone acting upon the scaling member, and a
gravitational force acting upon the sealing member due to a weight
of the sealing member.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment of the water pressure
regulator, the body has an inlet, an outlet, and a diaphragm
assembly which is positioned and secured within the body in order
to define first and second chambers. The first chamber further
defines first and second zones and a passageway therebetween. The
inlet is configured to provide water to the first zone at a
relatively high pressure and the outlet is configured to deliver
water out of the second zone at a relatively low pressure. The
sealing member is configured to seal the passageway and the sealing
member is formed in the shape of a spherical ball.
[0009] In yet another preferred embodiment of the water pressure
regulator, the body has an inlet, an outlet, and a diaphragm
assembly which is positioned and secured within the body in order
to define first and second chambers. The first chamber further
defines first and second zones and a passageway therebetween. The
inlet is configured to provide water to the first zone and the
outlet is configured to deliver water out of the second zone. The
sealing member is configured to seal the passageway without relying
on any of a force of the water in the second zone acting upon the
diaphragm assembly, a gravitational force acting upon the diaphragm
assembly due to a weight of the water in the second zone, and a
force acting upon the diaphragm assembly from the second
chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure,
reference may be made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like
elements in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a watering system including a
described and preferred embodiment of a water pressure
regulator;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the described embodiment of the
water pressure regulator in an "ON" or "REGULATE" mode;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an end view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the water pressure
regulator taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water pressure
regulator taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of the described embodiment of the
water pressure regulator in a "FLUSH" mode;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an end view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the water pressure
regulator taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side view of the described embodiment of the
water pressure regulator in an "OFF" mode;
[0023] FIG. 13 is an end view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top view of the water pressure regulator
illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the water pressure
regulator taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13; and
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a lower housing for use in the water pressure
regulator wherein a remote pressurized fluid or gas control supply
is used to automatically control the pressure in the lower chamber,
which overrides the spring assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, certain embodiments are shown
by way of example in the drawings and these embodiments will be
described in detail herein. It will be understood, however, that
this disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form described, but to the contrary, the invention is
intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the
appended claims.
[0028] An embodiment of a water pressure regulator 100 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-16. The water pressure regulator 100 is
preferably used in a watering system 20 and, more preferably, is
used in a watering system 20 for agricultural animals, such as
poultry. A typical watering system 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and
generally includes, but is not limited to, a water source 22, a
first water delivery assembly 23 (which typically includes, but is
not limited to, a step down regulator and gauge assembly 24, a
filter control panel 26, piping 28 and a hose 30), the water
pressure regulator 100 and a second water delivery assembly 31
(which typically includes, but is not limited to, an elongated pipe
assembly 32, watering nipples 36, catch cups 38 and sight tubes 40,
and which may include a support structure 34 and an anti-roost
assembly 42). The water pressure regulator 100 of the watering
system 20 generally receives water at a relatively high pressure
(preferably approximately between 15 and 35 psi) from the source 20
and the first water delivery assembly 23 and delivers water at a
relatively low pressure (preferably approximately 1 psi or less) to
the second water delivery assembly 31.
[0029] The water source 22 is configured to be connected to the
step down regulator and gauge assembly 24 in order to provide water
thereto. The step down regulator and gauge assembly 24 is
configured to receive water from the water source 22 and to reduce
the water pressure supplied to the filter control panel 26. The
filter control panel 26 is configured to remove foreign material
from the incoming water and/or to add medication to the water. The
piping 28 delivers the water from the filter control panel 26 to
the hose 30. The hose 30 delivers water into the water pressure
regulator 100. The water pressure regulator 100 delivers water to
the elongated pipe assembly 32 at a lower pressure than that at
which it was received in the water pressure regulator 100. The
support structure 34 supports the elongated pipe assembly 32,
typically from the ceiling or overhead trusses. The watering
nipples 36 are connected to the elongated pipe assembly 32 and,
upon actuation thereof, for instance by poultry, the watering
nipples 36 will deliver water to the poultry. The catch cups 38 are
typically secured to the elongated pipe assembly 32 and typically
are provided below the watering nipples 36 in order to catch water
being delivered from the watering nipples 36 that is not consumed
by the poultry, thereby providing another area for poultry to drink
from and to prevent watering of the floor of a poultry house. Sight
tubes 40 are provided and may be connected to the water pressure
regulator 100 or to the elongated pipe assembly 32 in order to
allow for visible inspection of the water pressure in the watering
system 20 at their location. The anti-roost assembly 42 is
typically secured to the support structure 34 above the elongated
pipe assembly 32 in order to prevent poultry from roosting on any
parts of the watering system 20.
[0030] The water pressure regulator 100 includes an upper housing
102, a lower housing 104, a flexible diaphragm 106, a diaphragm
support plate 108, a trigger pin 110, a spring 112, a spring
support plate 114, a spring adjustment mechanism 116, a sealing
member 118, a seat 120, an upper cap 122, a gasket 123, a first
plugging member 124a and a second plugging member 124b. The upper
housing 102, the lower housing 104, the diaphragm support plate
108, the trigger pin 110, the spring support plate 114, the spring
adjustment mechanism 116, the upper cap 122, the first plugging
member 124a and the second plugging member 124b are all preferably
formed of plastic, but may, of course, be formed of any other
suitable material. The diaphragm 106, the sealing member 118 and
the gasket 123 are preferably formed of a material which is both
elastic and deformable, such as, for example, a synthetic rubber,
such as, for example, Neoprene (developed by DuPont), but may, of
course, be formed of any other suitable material. The seat 120 is
preferably formed of stainless steel, but may, of course, be formed
of any other suitable material. The spring 112 is preferably formed
of metal, but may, of course, be formed of any other suitable
material.
[0031] The upper housing 102, the lower housing 104 and the
flexible diaphragm 106 are secured together by suitable means, for
example screws, such that the flexible diaphragm 106 acts as a
water-tight seal between an upper or first chamber 126 and a lower
or second chamber 128 of the water pressure regulator 100. The
flexible diaphragm 106, the diaphragm support plate 108 and the
trigger pin 110 comprise a diaphragm assembly 130. The trigger pin
110 has a base member 132, which is preferably circular/cylindrical
in configuration and upper and lower vertically extending leg
members 134, 136. The lower vertically extending leg member 136
extends through an aperture of the flexible diaphragm 106 and is
fixedly secured to the diaphragm support plate 108 in the lower
chamber 128 of the water pressure regulator 100 by appropriate
means, such as, for example, by being molded as a threaded male
stud, with a nut 137 that is threaded thereon in order to clinch
the trigger pin 110 to the diaphragm support plate 108, thus
capturing the diaphragm 106 between the diaphragm support plate 108
and the base member 132 of the trigger pin 110 (as illustrated), or
alternatively by screws or a snap fit. The diaphragm support plate
108 is likewise positioned in the lower chamber 128 and is
configured to support a lower surface of the flexible diaphragm
106. The base member 132 and the upper vertically extending leg
member 134 are positioned in the upper chamber 126 of the water
pressure regulator 100 and the base member 132 is configured to
rest on an upper surface of the flexible diaphragm 106. Thus, both
the diaphragm support plate 108 and the trigger pin 110 are rigidly
mounted in place to the diaphragm 106.
[0032] The lower housing 104 has an opening 138 at a bottom
thereof, which is preferably circular in configuration. A wall 140
of the lower housing 104 extends upwardly from around the opening
138 and into the lower chamber 128, and is preferably cylindrical
in configuration, but a lower ledge 142 is provided between the
wall 140 and the opening 138. The wall 140 also preferably has one
or more slots 144 formed therein which extend from above the ledge
142 to the top of the wall 140. The cylindrical area provided
between the wall 140, the ledge 142 and the opening 138 (in the
preferred configuration) is referred to herein as the spring
chamber 146, which is a part of the lower chamber 128.
[0033] The spring 112, the spring support plate 114 and the spring
adjustment mechanism 116 comprise a spring assembly 148 which is
generally provided within the spring chamber 146. The spring
adjustment mechanism 116 has a base member 150 which is configured
to match the configuration of the spring chamber 146 and,
therefore, is preferably cylindrical/circular in configuration. A
handle or grip 154 extends downwardly from a lower surface of the
base member 150 and a shaft 156, which is preferably threaded,
extends upwardly from an upper surface of the base member 150. The
base member 150 is configured to be positioned within the spring
chamber 146 such that the lower surface of the base member 150
rests on the ledge 142, and such that the base member 150 does not
move off of the ledge 142. With the base member 150 in position,
the handle or grip 154 extends downwardly through the opening 138
of the lower housing 104 such that the handle or grip 154 can be
manipulated from an exterior of the lower housing 104. The shaft
156 likewise then extends upwardly into the spring chamber 146. The
base member 150 may have vents (not shown, but which are well-known
in the art) extending therethrough in order to allow air to exit or
enter the spring chamber 146 as necessary.
[0034] The spring support plate 114 has an aperture therethrough
which preferably defines a threaded aperture wall. Alternatively, a
metal insert, preferably made of brass, may be molded into the
spring support plate 114 in order to provide the aperture defining
the threaded aperture wall. The shaft 156 is positioned to extend
through the aperture and to be threadedly secured to the spring
support plate 114. The spring support plate 114 is configured to
match the shape of the spring chamber 146 and, therefore, is
preferably circular/cylindrical in configuration. Along the
periphery of the spring support plate 114, one or more projections
160 extend outwardly therefrom and are configured to be positioned
within the slot(s) 144 of the wall 140, in order to prevent
rotation of the spring support plate 114 relative to the wall
140.
[0035] The spring 112 is preferably a helical spring that winds
around the shaft 156 and has one end positioned against an upper
surface of the spring support plate 114 and an opposite end
positioned against a lower surface of the diaphragm support plate
108, such that the spring 112 is always preferably in compression
therebetween.
[0036] The upper chamber 126 of the upper housing 102 is separated
into first and second zones 162, 164. The first zone 162 is
preferably an inlet, high pressure chamber and the second zone 164
is preferably an outlet, low pressure chamber. The base member 132
and the upper vertically extending leg member 134 of the trigger
pin 110 are positioned within the second zone 164. The upper
housing 102 defines first and second separated passageways 166, 168
which connect the first zone 162 to the second zone 164. The upper
housing 102 further defines an outlet passageway 170 (which may be
threaded) which extends between the second zone 164 and an exterior
of the water pressure regulator 100. Branch lines or elongated pipe
assemblies 32 of the watering system 20 are configured to be in
fluid communication with the second zone 164 via the outlet
passageway 170. The upper housing 102 also may define a sight tube
passageway 172 which extends between the second zone 164 and an
exterior of the water pressure regulator 100. A sight tube 40 is
configured to be in fluid communication with the second zone 164
via the sight tube passageway 172 such that the pressure within the
second zone 164 can be readily determined by visual inspection of
the water level within the sight tube 40.
[0037] The first zone 162 is open at a top thereof. The upper cap
122 is secured to the upper housing 102 by appropriate means, such
as by, for example, screws, in order to close off the top of the
first zone 162. The gasket 123 is provided between the upper cap
122 and the upper housing 102 in order to ensure that a water-tight
seal is maintained. The upper cap 122 has three extensions 174,
176a, 176b which extend upwardly therethrough, each of which define
apertures 178, 180a, 180b extending therethrough such that the
apertures 178, 180a, 180b are each in fluid communication with the
first zone 162. The third extension 176b is identical to the second
extension 176a and therefore, will be described with reference
numerals ending in "b" while the second extension 176a will be
described with reference numerals ending in "a".
[0038] The first extension 174 has an internal will defined by the
aperture 178 which is preferably threaded. The aperture 178 is an
inlet passageway of the water pressure regulator 100 which is
configured to receive pressurized water from the supply source 22
by the first water delivery assembly 23.
[0039] The second extension 176a has a top edge 182a with a groove
184a and an L-shaped slot 186a formed therein. The aperture 180a
through the second extension 176a is positioned above the first
passageway 166 of the upper housing 102 and the aperture 180b
through the third extension 176b is positioned above the second
passageway 168 of the upper housing 102.
[0040] The first plugging member 124a is identical to the second
plugging member 124h and therefore, the first plugging member 124a
will be described with reference numerals ending in "a" while the
second plugging member 124b will be described with reference
numerals ending in "b". The first plugging member 124a is
configured to slide and rotate within the aperture 180a of the
second extension 176a while the second plugging member 124b is
configured to slide and rotate within the aperture 180a of the
third extension 176b.
[0041] A first end 188a of the first plugging member 124a is
configured as a handle or grip of the first plugging member 124a
and is positioned above the top edge 182a of the second extension
176a and outside of the upper cap 122 such that the handle or grip
188a can be manipulated. As the aperture 180a of the second
extension 176a is preferably circular/cylindrical, the remainder of
the first plugging member 124a other than the first end 188a is
likewise preferably circular/cylindrical. The first plugging member
124a also has a first groove around its periphery proximate to a
second end 189a of the first plugging member 124a in which an
O-ring 194a is preferably positioned. While the first end 188a of
the first plugging member 124a is closed off, the second end 189a
of the first plugging member 124a may be open such that the first
plugging member 124a is hollow. The first plugging member 124a also
preferably has a projection 196a extending outwardly from its
periphery between the first and second ends 188a, 189a. The first
plugging member 124a also preferably has a second groove around its
periphery between the first groove and the projection 196a. A ring
200a, preferably formed of metal, is preferably positioned within
the second groove and prevents the first plugging member 124a from
being pulled out of the aperture 180a of the second extension 176a
of the upper cap 122 by being in shear with a lower surface of the
upper cap 122.
[0042] The seat 120 is secured within the first passageway 166 of
the upper housing 102 which separates the first zone 162 from the
second zone 164. The seat 120 may be secured in place by any
appropriate means, for example by molding or press fit. The seat
120 has an opening therethrough which is smaller in diameter than a
diameter of the first passageway 166. The scaling member 118 is
configured to rest on the seat 120 in order to block or seal the
opening such that fluid communication between the first zone 162
and the second zone 164 via the first passageway 166 is prevented.
The sealing member 118 is preferably in the form of a spherical
ball.
[0043] In operation, the inlet or first extension 174 allows the
first zone 162 to receive pressurized water from the supply source
22 via the first water delivery assembly 23. Depending on the
positioning of the first and second plugging members 124a, 124b,
the water pressure regulator 100 can operate in three separate
modes while pressurized water is delivered to the first zone 162,
namely the "ON" or "REGULATE" mode, which is illustrated in FIGS.
2-7 (which is the normal operating mode), the "FLUSH" mode,
illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, and the "OFF" mode, illustrated in FIGS.
12-15.
[0044] Attention is first directed to the "ON" or "REGULATE" mode
illustrated in FIGS. 2-7. In the "ON" or "REGULATE" mode, the
desired outlet pressure at which water will exit the water pressure
regulator 100 via the outlet passageway 170 (typically
approximately 1 psi or less) is dictated by the spring assembly
148, which acts on the diaphragm assembly 130. As the spring 112 is
always compressed between the diaphragm support plate 108 and the
spring support plate 114, and because the vertical position of the
spring support plate 114 is locked in position by the spring
adjustment mechanism 116, the spring 112 is acting against, or
pushing on, the diaphragm assembly 130. The more the spring 112
acts against the diaphragm assembly 130, the higher the pressure
will be of the water in the second zone 164 and in the second water
delivery assembly 31 of the system 20. Conversely, the less the
spring 112 acts against the diaphragm assembly 130, the less the
pressure will be of the water in the second zone 164 and in the
second water delivery assembly 31 of the system 20.
[0045] The compression of the spring 112 can be adjusted as desired
by the spring adjustment mechanism 116. The handle or grip 154 of
the spring adjustment mechanism 116 can be rotated either clockwise
or counterclockwise in order to adjust the compression of the
spring 112. In a preferred embodiment, rotation in the clockwise
direction of the spring adjustment mechanism 116 causes the spring
support plate 114 to move higher up the shaft 156 of the spring
adjustment mechanism 116, with the projection(s) 160 moving upward
within the slot(s) 144, in order to increase the compression of the
spring 112 between the spring support plate 114 and the diaphragm
support plate 108. Conversely, in the preferred embodiment,
rotation in the counter-clockwise direction of the spring
adjustment mechanism 116 causes the spring support plate 114 to
move lower down the shaft 156 of the spring adjustment mechanism
116, with the projection(s) 160 moving downward within the slot(s)
144, in order to decrease the compression of the spring 112 between
the spring support plate 114 and the diaphragm support plate
108.
[0046] In the "ON" or "REGULATE" mode, the first plugging member
(the regulator valve) 124a is positioned such that the projection
196a thereon rests in the groove 184a on the top edge 182a of the
second extension 176a of the upper cap 122, thus locking the first
plugging member 124a in this position (the "raised" or "on"
position), whereby the second end of the first plugging member 124a
is positioned outside of the first passageway 166 of the upper
housing 102, such that water within the first zone 162 can flow
into the first passageway 166. Conversely, the second plugging
member (the flush valve) 124b is positioned such that the
projection 196b rests in the L-shaped slot 186b, thus locking the
second plugging member 124b in this position (the "lowered" or
"off" position), whereby the second end of the second plugging
member 124b is positioned within the second passageway 168 of the
upper housing 102, such that water within the first zone 162 is
prevented or sealed off from flowing into the second passageway 168
and, thus, into the second zone 164.
[0047] Thus, water within the first zone 162 can only exit through
the first passageway 166 into the second zone 164. The scaling
member 118, however, seals off this water from exiting into the
second zone 164 as it closes or seals off the first passageway 166
due to a sealing member force. The sealing member force is
determined by a force of the water in the first zone 162 acting
upon the sealing member 118, minus a force of the water in the
second zone 164 acting upon the sealing member 118, plus a
gravitational force acting upon the sealing member 118 due to a
weight of the sealing member 118 (while there is a gravitational
force acting upon the sealing member 118 due to a weight of the
water in the first zone 162, such that there are effects from this
gravitational force, the magnitude of this gravitational force is
minimal enough to not be considered and, therefore, is considered
negligible). The force of the water in the first zone 162 acting
upon the sealing member 118 may also cause the sealing member 118
to slightly deform against the seat 120 (as the sealing member 118
is made of a deformable material) in order to ensure that the seal
between the sealing member 118 and the seat 120 is water tight.
Further forces in the upper chamber 126, other than the sealing
member force, also act to prevent the scaling member 118 from
becoming unsealed, but they indirectly prevent this from happening,
unlike the positive and direct action taken by the sealing member
force. More specifically, these other forces include a force of the
water in the second zone 164 acting upon the diaphragm assembly 130
and a gravitational force acting upon the diaphragm assembly 130
due to a weight of the water in the second zone 164. The
determination of whether the sealing member 118 will seal the first
passageway 166 is based on the combination of these forces acting
on the diaphragm assembly 130 from within the second zone 164, as
well as the sealing member force, relative to the force acting on
the diaphragm assembly 130 from within the lower chamber 128 by the
spring assembly 148.
[0048] For example, when the incoming water pressure is 30 psi, the
outgoing water pressure is set at 0.505 psi (variable) and the
water temperature is set at 70.degree. F. (variable), the threes at
equilibrium are as follows: the sealing member force is 2.99422
pounds (which is determined by the force of the water in the first
zone 162 acting upon the sealing member 118, namely 3.03 pounds,
minus the force of the water in the second zone 164 acting upon the
sealing member 118, namely 0.0382 pounds, plus the gravitational
force acting upon the sealing member 118 due to a weight of the
sealing member 118, namely 0.00242 pounds (again, while there are
effects from the gravitational force that is acting upon the
sealing member 118 due to a weight of the water in the first zone
162, the magnitude of these effects is minimal enough to not be
considered and, therefore, they are considered negligible), plus
the force of the water in the second zone 164 acting upon the
diaphragm assembly 130, namely 14.63 pounds, plus the gravitational
force acting upon the diaphragm assembly 130 due to a weight of the
water in the second zone 164, namely 0.443 pounds, minus the force
acting on the diaphragm assembly 130 from within the lower chamber
128 by the spring assembly 148, namely 18.06722 pounds.
[0049] As pressure is reduced in the system 20, for example by
birds drinking water downstream of the water pressure regulator
100, namely in the second water delivery assembly 31, the force of
the water in the second zone 164 acting upon the diaphragm assembly
130 is also reduced (for instance from the 14.63 pounds to 14.50
pounds). When this occurs, the force acting on the diaphragm
assembly 130 from within the lower chamber 128 by the spring
assembly 148 (namely 18.06722 pounds) is now greater than the
combined forces in the upper chamber 126 (namely 17.93722 pounds)
that are preventing the scaling member 118 from becoming unsealed,
such that the spring 112 pushes up on the diaphragm assembly 130
which, in turn, causes the rigidly-mounted trigger pin 110 to push
the sealing member 118 off of the scat 120 in order to allow water
from the first zone 162 to enter the second zone 164. Also, because
the sealing member 118 is formed from an elastic material, the
sealing member 118 will return to its original configuration (in
the event it had slightly deformed against the seat 120), i.e.,
preferably spherical, upon being moved off of the seat 120.
[0050] As the pressure is increased in the system 20, downstream of
the water pressure regulator 100, the force of the water in the
second zone 164 acting upon the diaphragm assembly 130 is
increased. When the force of the water in the second zone 164
acting upon the diaphragm assembly 130 becomes equal to or greater
than the 14.63 pounds, the three acting on the diaphragm assembly
130 from within the lower chamber 128 by the spring assembly 148
(namely 18.06722 pounds) is now equal to or less than the combined
forces in the upper chamber 126 (namely 18.06722 pounds or greater)
that are preventing the sealing member 118 from becoming unsealed,
such that the diaphragm assembly 130 pushes down on the spring 112
which, in turn, causes the rigidly-mounted trigger pin 110 to move
away from the scaling member 118 such that the sealing member 118
again sits on the seat 120, thus preventing or sealing off the
first passageway 166 such that water in the first zone 162 cannot
move into the second zone 164. Thus, with the water pressure
regulator 100 in the "ON" or "REGULATE" mode, the water pressure
regulator 100 is always striving to achieve equilibrium. The top of
the wall 140 also acts as a limiter to the downward movement of the
diaphragm assembly 130 as the diaphragm support plate 108 will
bottom out on the top of the wall 140 if pushed down far enough,
which prevents the diaphragm 106 from being distorted too much and
losing its desired uniform shape.
[0051] In the event that the system 20 is to be flushed, for
instance to allow for the removal of stale/warm water or water that
introduced vitamins or medicine, the water pressure regulator 100
can be changed to the "FLUSH" mode as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. As
can be seen, in this mode, the projection 196b of the second
plugging member 124b is rotated and slid out of the L-shaped slot
186b of the third extension 176b and then rotated over the groove
184b on the top edge 182b of the third extension 176b, whereby the
second plugging member 124b is locked into this position (the
"raised" or "on" position), such that the second end of the second
plugging member 124b is not positioned within, or plugging up or
sealing, the second passageway 168 of the upper housing 102.
[0052] With the second plugging member 124b locked into this
"raised" or "on" position, the water within the first zone 162 will
bypass the first passageway 166 and flow directly through the
second passageway 168 into the second zone 164 of the water
pressure regulator 100 via the outlet passageway 170. If desired,
the first plugging member 124a can be rotated and slid such that
the projection 196a is positioned within the L-shaped slot 186a of
the second extension 176a, thereby locking the first plugging
member 124a in this "lowered" or "off" position, although it is not
necessary. The second end of the first plugging member 124a is thus
positioned within the first passageway 166, such that pressurized
water within the first zone 162 may not come into contact with the
sealing member 118 and/or the seat 120, which, over time, could
potentially cause damage to one or both of them.
[0053] In the event that the system 20 is to be turned off or needs
to be isolated, the water pressure regulator 100 can be changed to
the "OFF" mode as illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. In this mode, both
the first and second plugging members 124a, 124b are lowered and
locked in the "lowered" or "off" positions such that the
projections 196a, 196b are secured within the L-shaped slots 186a,
186b of the second and third extensions 176a, 176b of the upper cap
122. Thus, any water within the first zone 162 is prevented or
sealed off from entering either the first or second passageways
166, 168 and, thus, the second zone 164.
[0054] In both the "FLUSH" mode and the "OFF" mode, the extent of
the compression of the spring 112 in the lower chamber 128 is
basically irrelevant.
[0055] The water pressure regulator 100 thus provides a number of
advantages over prior art water pressure regulators.
[0056] For instance, for the water pressure regulator 100 to
operate properly, the sealing member 118 does not rely on the force
of the water in the second zone 164 or the gravitational force
acting against the diaphragm assembly due to a weight of the water
in the second zone 164 (as to the water pressure regulators of U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,967,167 and 6,202,682) in order for the sealing member
118 to seal the first passageway 166; nor does the sealing member
118 rely on the force acting on the diaphragm assembly from the
lower chamber 128 in order for the sealing member 118 to seal the
first passageway 166. Rather, the water pressure regulator 100
provides for the sealing member 118 to be provided within the first
zone 162 (equivalent to the inlets in the prior art water pressure
regulators, namely those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,167 and 6,202,682)
such that the sealing member 118 only relies on the sealing member
forces, as described above, to seal the first passageway 166. Thus,
a positive and direct seal (i.e., from the force of the water in
the first zone 162 acting upon the sealing member 118 and the
gravitational force acting upon the sealing member 118 due to a
weight of the sealing member 118) prevents water from the supply
source 22, via the first water delivery assembly 23, from moving
into the second zone 164 from the first zone 162. This
configuration is beneficial because it prevents the effects of
water hammer from causing wear and tear to the sealing member 118
and to the diaphragm 106. The continuing force of water from the
supply source 22 and the first water delivery assembly 23 when the
sealing member 118 closes off flow to the second zone 164 by
sealing the first passageway 166 is only felt by the sealing member
118, as it acts to further push or seal the sealing member 118
against the seat 120. Thus, the continuing force of water is not
felt by the diaphragm 106 and causes no negative effect on the
diaphragm 106 itself.
[0057] Thus, if desired, this configuration allows for the sealing
member 118 to be physically separated from the diaphragm assembly
130, i.e., the sealing device and the triggering device, between
the first zone 162 and the second zone 164. Of course, the sealing
member 118 and the diaphragm assembly 130 could be physically
connected to one another if desired, as the water pressure
regulator 100 will still operate in the same manner, i.e., with the
sealing member 118 sealing against the seat 120 via gravity (under
its own weight) and by the force of the water in the first zone 162
acting upon the sealing member 118, and with the sealing member 118
moving off of the seat 120 when the force acting on the diaphragm
assembly 130 from the lower chamber 128 is greater than the
combined forces in the upper chamber 126 that are acting to prevent
the sealing member 118 from moving off of the seat 120.
[0058] Also, in the preferred embodiment, the sealing member 118 is
formed of a deformable and elastic material, such as Neoprene
rubber, while the seat 120 is formed of stainless steel. This is
beneficial because the force of the water in the first zone 162
acting on the sealing member 118 also causes the sealing member 118
to slightly deform against the seat 120, thus ensuring a water
tight seal therebetween as the sealing member 118 will completely
cover the seat 120 and will conform to the seat 120 (even
imperfections therein) to ensure a water-tight seal (which could
not be ensured if both the scaling member 118 and the seat 120 were
both made of stainless steel under these relatively high pressure
conditions, namely, approximately 15-35 psi). This is also
beneficial because the sealing member 118 is elastic such that when
it is moved off of the seat 120, the scaling member 118 will regain
its original shape, which in the preferred embodiment is spherical,
thus ensuring that it will continue to properly seal against the
seat 120 over extended periods of time.
[0059] It should be noted that, instead of the seat 120 being
formed of stainless steel, the seat 120 could be formed of plastic
and integrally formed with the rest of the upper housing 102. It
should also be noted that, if desired, the seat 120 could be formed
of the same material as the sealing member 118, namely a deformable
and elastic material. If desired, the sealing member 118 could be
formed of stainless steel when the seat 120 is formed of a
deformable and elastic material.
[0060] Yet another advantage is that, in the preferred embodiment,
the sealing member 118 is in the shape of a spherical ball. This is
beneficial for at least the reason that the sealing member 118 will
be able to continuously spin upon being moved by the
rigidly-mounted trigger pin 110 such that the spinning ball 118
will, in essence, be polishing the seat 120 and itself in order to
remove any buildup of materials from the water thereon, thereby
assisting in ensuring that the sealing member 118 and the seat 120
will continue to operate to form a water-tight seal therebetween.
It should be noted, however, that, if desired, the sealing member
118 could be in a shape other than a spherical ball, such as an
oval or an elongated pin, for example.
[0061] Modifications could be made to the water pressure regulator
100 as desired. For example, the second passageway 168, the third
extension 176b and the second plugging member 124b could all be
removed if the water pressure regulator 100 did not need to operate
in the "FLUSH" mode. Also, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 16,
the lower housing 104 could be provided with an opening (not shown)
that would receive a control pressure conduit 200, which is
connected at its other end to a remote pressurized fluid or gas
control supply (as generally described and illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,240,956) (not shown), in order to automatically control the
pressure in the lower chamber 128, thus overriding the spring
assembly 148. In this configuration, the base member 150 would have
a groove 202 formed around its periphery in which an O-ring 204
would be positioned in order to create either a water-tight seal
(when pressurized fluid is used) or an air-tight seal (when
pressurized gas is used). The O-ring 204 would block the vents (not
shown) provided through the base member 150 of the spring
adjustment mechanism 116.
[0062] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments of
the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the
invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention. It is
further to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily
drawn to scale.
[0063] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying
out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated
embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *